“Because we don’t feel so, papa,” said Max. “We’ve all been here, studying for the last ten or fifteen minutes. You see we don’t want you to find it a disagreeable business to teach us.”
“No, indeed, papa,” added Lulu, “we’re just determined to be good and industrious, and you needn’t make the lessons short and easy unless you think best.”
“Both they and the time shall be a little shorter than usual, however,” he said, “but I am glad my patience is not to be tried with a lazy set of pupils.”
He perceived that, though they were earnestly endeavoring to do their best, it was difficult for them to sit still and give their minds to their tasks, and a full hour earlier than usual he said, “Gracie, you may go now to your play. Max, I want these letters mailed within an hour. You may ride your pony into the village and post them for me, if you will go and return promptly.”
“Yes, sir; I will; I’d like nothing better,” answered the lad, hastily laying his books away in his desk, taking the letters and leaving the room.
“Papa, mayn’t I stop studying too, and do what I please?” asked Lulu.
“You may put away your books and come here,” he said. “I have something to say to you.”
“That’s nice!” she exclaimed, obeying with alacrity, for his tone was so kind that she felt sure he had no fault to find with her.
He drew her to his knee and put his arm about her waist.
“What is it, papa?” she queried, patting his cheek with affectionate familiarity. “I know you’re not going to scold me, because I haven’t been doing anything naughty; and besides, you don’t look one bit stern.”